Dog flea is very dreadful. Fleas are yucky. It can bring about mild to severe itching and scratching to its host. They are not easy to eliminate. They measure approximately 1.5 to 3.3 mm long. They do not have wings. They suck on blood. Currently, there are about two thousand species of fleas and the most common is the cat flea, also known as Ctenocephalides felis. This flea commonly affects dog breeds.

Causes of Dog Fleas

Did you know that a dog can still fall prey to fleas although it stays at home all the time? Yes, your pet can get fleas especially in a hot and humid weather. Since fleas are so small, they can effortlessly enter through small screens or windows. Nonetheless, the most common mode of transmission is through direct contact with other pets.

Dogs and cats are very likely to be infested with fleas. Sadly, human beings are not spared. Pet owners are affected only when their pet is diseased for a long period of time. Without pets in, fleas are in a hunt for a new host and this is when they begin to attack humans. The fleas favorite spot are the waist area, ankles, armpits, back of knee and elbow of humans.

Symptoms

So, how can you tell if your pet is suffering from fleas? Actually, you can tell instantly if the dog is suffering from flea plague with just one look. First, you will notice your dog itching and scratching. Then the affected skin of your canine friend can turn red and inflamed as a result of flea bites and the repeated scratching and biting. Also, flea dirt is evident on your pet’s skin, on its sheets and bed-dings, or in other areas where your pet normally hangs out. Flea dirt looks like small dark specks. Flea dirt is a mixture of desiccated blood and flea fragments.

To know if your canine friend is infested by fleas, run through your pet’s special comb. If you see dark insects searching its way back to your dog’s fur then it is confirmed. Your poor dog is indeed affected with fleas.

Is It Possible To Treat Fleas Indoors?

After confirming that your dog has fleas, do not prolong your dog’s suffering. Do something about these infuriating little critters. Following are some of the most conventional household treatments for dog fleas.

Avon Product – Skin So Soft

According to one study conducted in the University of Florida in Gainesville, this special bath oil, is an excellent flea repellent product. Simply wash your canine friend in the solution of Avon’s Skin So Soft. Your dog will surely be relieved in an instant.

Rosemary

Rosemary has anti-inflammatory effects. It also helps stimulate the growth of hair. With frequent scratching and biting, your dog can experience mild to severe hair loss. Restore your dog’s natural hair and use rosemary regularly.

Brewer’s Yeast

This commercial product is not yet proven on the other hand according to many pet owners this product can help keep fleas away.

Absolutely, it is heartbreaking to see your dog suffer because of flea infestation. Yes, fleas in dogs are very common. Nevertheless there is something that you can do to manage the condition. Follow the tips above and your pet will be relieved from fleas in no time.

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This action of dragging the butt on the floor may not be newly learned trick after all. It can be an indication of anal gland impaction especially if the ill at ease dog is excessively licking the anal area.

Dogs have two small sacs on the left and right side of the anus known as anal glands. From the small ducts that open to the anus, a smelly chemical called pheromones are secreted. Dogs identify each other by smelling the scent of this chemical that is distinct in every dog. The pheromones are naturally excreted when the dog poops. A frightened dog would raise the tail to squeeze the anal glands to release a small amount of pheromones.

If the pheromones are not normally emptied, the anal gland can get impacted. The build up of the secretion can cause the formation of abscesses that can rupture and create immense discomfort for the pet. The condition can also lead to anal gland carcinoma.

Dog owners should make sure to include emptying of the anal gland in the grooming routine of the dog especially if the pet tends to get recurring anal gland impaction. This task though is messy and smelly thus dog owners that do not have the stomach for the job would have it done by the vet or by a professional groomer.

Dog owners can easily learn how to express the dog’s anal glands. The owner simply needs to lift the tail of the pet with one hand and use the thumb and the index finger to press the anal glands on both sides of the anus in an upward position. A black or brownish substance with an unpleasant odor will come out. A damp towel can be used to wipe the anal gland secretion or the anal area can be washed with dog shampoo to totally remove the unpleasant smell. Anal gland impaction can be prevented by making sure that the pet is given regular opportunities to exercise and feeding the dog with a high fiber diet.

At Sarah’s Dogs you can read more about dog grooming and the anal glands

The first thing we’re going to talk about is your pup’s diet. The food your puppy eats will likely change from semi-liquid to a solid, depending upon the age of your dog when you bring him home. Puppies usually start to wean from their mother’s milk between six and eight weeks of age, which is about the same time that breeders will allow the puppy to go live with its new owner. Find out what the breeder is feeding the puppy, and continue feeding him on that food. Usually at that age they are eating moist food from a can mixed with a bit of puppy milk replacement. After a week or two, start taking away the milk and gradually adding dry food over the course of 7 – 10 days until your pup is eating nothing but dry food. You’ll also need to make sure that his water bowl is constantly filled. You should also know that it can be very harmful to feed your dog table scraps. There are many foods that can cause your dog severe health issues and even death. Some of these foods include chocolate, raisins, onions, garlic, and potatoes.

The next item on the list is vaccinations. If your dog’s breeder hasn’t taken care of the vaccinations, then it’s up to you to see that your dog gets immunized. There are three separate shots given to cover the “core” illnesses, which are: distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis. The first shot is usually given at 6 weeks of age with the other shots following in three week intervals at 9 and 12 weeks. Your veterinarian will be able to take care of the vaccinations for you, as well as recommend any non-core vaccines that they feel your dog should have. The importance of non-core vaccines differs depending on your dog’s breed and where you live. You will need to return to the vet every year of your dog’s life for an adult “booster” shot. You should be aware that social interaction with other dogs is not recommended until after your puppy has completed his round of vaccinations, with an additional 5 – 10 days for the immunization to become effective.

Grooming is another important aspect of owning a puppy. Some dogs have stricter grooming requirements than others, particularly ones with long or curly fur. Certain breeds of dog are particularly susceptible to ear infections and require that their ears be cleaned frequently. All dogs should have their nails clipped periodically (usually when you hear their paws click on the floor you know it’s time for a trim!). It’s very important that this is done in the correct fashion using proper canine nail clippers, as cutting to deeply in your dog’s claws can result in severe pain and bleeding.

Exercise is one of the most vital aspects of your dog’s health. Your puppy will have a great deal of energy, which is completely natural! You should encourage playtime, especially outdoors so that he can have tons of room to romp around. If your puppy becomes restless, he may chew excessively which can be dangerous for your puppy (think of all the cords/cables plugging into your outlets, as well as wooden furniture that can splinter!). Pet steps are a great tool you can use to give your dog a workout. The time you spend training him to use the dog stairs to get onto furniture will encourage your pup to bond with you as well as to be obedient and respectful.

For more tips on raising a healthy pup, visit HelpYourPets.com.

For dog care they are straightforward. They do not shed much, so whilst not strictly non-allegenic, they may be suitable for a family with an allergic member.

The Havanese have a slight wavy double coat, which is light and soft, with a heavier undercoat.

The Havanese should be brushed daily, as they have the tendency for their fur to mat. If not a show dog, you can have the fur cut. Whilst they have fur, they do suffer in extreme cold, so in some areas you may need to buy sweaters for them.

When you bath them, dry with a towel and allow them to dry off naturally inside, as they are susceptible to skin problems if dried with a hair drier. It is a breed that for showing needs to keep a natural look, but for everyday looks and practicality may benefit from bows etc..

The Havanese now come in many different colours and patterns, but were originally white.
They have a stocky build compared to most toy dog breeds. They have a weight range of 4-6 Kgs ( 10-15 lbs). Its height measured at the withers is 220-290mm( normally ten). It is an unusual dog in that the rump is higher than the withers.

The Havanese have a sprightly agile movement. Whilst they are relatively good swimmers, they generally shire away from water, but careful when near water if there is something for them to chase.

The Havanese have almond eyes, with medium sized ears that are well covered and hang down. The Havanese are disposed to ear infections, so routinely inspect their ears and clean them. Sometimes they may need inner hairs to be plucked by tweezers or hand. The tail arches over the back and is also well covered. They have very sensitive noses and are trained often for search. They are easily trained so are often found in circus shows, tracking, hearing assistance dogs, mould, termite and drug search.

They routinely live about 15 years. Like many other pure breeds they suffer from a few genetically-linked disorders. The most common being liver disease, heart disease, cataracts and retinal dysplasia ( blots on the retina). It is recommended only to acquire Havanese from parent dogs who have clear eye certificates. Havanese sometimes develop brown tear stains, which is especially noticeable on those with white or light coats.

The dog originated from the now extent Bichon Tenerife and was taken to Cuba by original settlers and traders. Being popular in Havana in Cuba. Internationally the Havanese is a new breed, taking off in the seventies from only ten dogs in the United States. Though they were common prior to the Cuban Revolution, they, like many trappings of aristocracy were culled. It is now one of the fastest growing registrations in most country kennel clubs. For this reason it may be difficult to acquire one, so the best of luck on finding one.

A superb family dog that should be considered.

The first thing we’re going to talk about is your pup’s diet. The food your puppy eats will likely change from semi-liquid to a solid, depending upon the age of your dog when you bring him home. Puppies usually start to wean from their mother’s milk between six and eight weeks of age, which is about the same time that breeders will allow the puppy to go live with its new owner. Find out what the breeder is feeding the puppy, and continue feeding him on that food. Usually at that age they are eating moist food from a can mixed with a bit of puppy milk replacement. After a week or two, start taking away the milk and gradually adding dry food over the course of 7 – 10 days until your pup is eating nothing but dry food. You’ll also need to make sure that his water bowl is constantly filled. You should also know that it can be very harmful to feed your dog table scraps. There are many foods that can cause your dog severe health issues and even death. Some of these foods include chocolate, raisins, onions, garlic, and potatoes.

The next item on the list is vaccinations. If your dog’s breeder hasn’t taken care of the vaccinations, then it’s up to you to see that your dog gets immunized. There are three separate shots given to cover the “core” illnesses, which are: distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis. The first shot is usually given at 6 weeks of age with the other shots following in three week intervals at 9 and 12 weeks. Your veterinarian will be able to take care of the vaccinations for you, as well as recommend any non-core vaccines that they feel your dog should have. The importance of non-core vaccines differs depending on your dog’s breed and where you live. You will need to return to the vet every year of your dog’s life for an adult “booster” shot. You should be aware that social interaction with other dogs is not recommended until after your puppy has completed his round of vaccinations, with an additional 5 – 10 days for the immunization to become effective.

Our next health tip is grooming. Regardless of the breed of your puppy, all dogs require a certain amount of grooming. For instance, long-haired dogs will require much more brushing and haircuts than other breeds, but there are also some breeds, particularly the ones with long ears, that need their ears cleaned frequently to avoid infection. All dogs need to have their nails clipped every so often, but we recommend that you have this done professionally if you aren’t experienced at the job, as clipping too close to the quick in your dog’s nails causes a great deal of pain and bleeding. Do a bit of research on your puppy’s breed to get a good idea as to what your grooming responsibilities will be.

Exercise is one of the most vital aspects of your dog’s health. Your puppy will have a great deal of energy, which is completely natural! You should encourage playtime, especially outdoors so that he can have tons of room to romp around. If your puppy becomes restless, he may chew excessively which can be dangerous for your puppy (think of all the cords/cables plugging into your outlets, as well as wooden furniture that can splinter!). Pet steps are a great tool you can use to give your dog a workout. The time you spend training him to use the dog stairs to get onto furniture will encourage your pup to bond with you as well as to be obedient and respectful.

For more tips on raising a healthy pup, visit HelpYourPets.com.